Why make the shake at the gym?

[zombie]

Hello,

I'm relatively new to the gym thing and I've never taken any kind of protein supplement (the only thing that I do take is B12). However, I've decided to give Sunwarrior Protein a try -- probably in a fruit smoothie. Now, I've see the guys at the gym mixing up their protein shakes and it makes me wonder a couple of things. Firstly, when is the best time to take such a supplement? Is it directly after a workout. Of course, that implies that you're working out at the best time, but that's another question altogether. Secondly, why not mix up the supplement before going to the gym?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Zombie.

[E-P]

I can't remember where I read it but somewhere I read that the protein/recovery-shake should be taken 15-30 min. after the workout and a proper meal should be eaten (max.) two hours after the work out. That is what I have been following not sure if it is some sort of a rule of thumb.

Can't answer anything on the second question, but interested to hear answers from another people.

[thestoatyone]

If you mix it before hand it tends to leak in your bag?

[powerlifer]

The best time to take protein is post workout so yeah directly after your workout.

Not a problem with pre blending your protein/smoothie before the workout. Its just many whey proteins and shakes go kind of horrible if left in a hot locker for an hour or however long your session is.

[hardcore iv]

Its just many whey proteins and shakes go kind of horrible if left in a hot locker for an hour or however long your session is.

Luckily nobody here uses whey protein

zombie, as one of the wise posters at VF suggests, a carton of choc soymilk can get the job done for much cheaper and is easier to carry around. Timing is over-rated IMO too. After a decent lifting session (not a marathon pump session) you should not be in a catabolic state with your muscles withering away if they are not replenished instantly with a protein drink, but rather your body will be increasing its production of anabolic hormones. You are probably okay if you wait no longer than around 2 hours post-workout. Back when I was in the game, I started out taking shakes immediately post-workout but eventually stretched it out until I got home and didn't notice any differences in my recovery times or strength/size gains.

[baldy]

I dont make my shakes at the gym, but I drink them there.
First reason is if I drink way when I finish by the time I am home I can eat a meal, so get calories in.
Secondly I always stand around chatting to folks while I drink it, so its a bit social.

[zombie]

Thanks for the replies. I've started mixing some protein powder into the fruit smoothies that I drink after a workout. I do this directly before I go to the gym and it seems to be working fine -- hardly scientific I know.

Thanks again,

Zombie.

[Big Foot Marty]

I make mine at home and add some ice and wrap in an old smartwool sock to keep insulated while upstairs.

I like shakes/smoothies right after working out because:

1) easier for body to assimilate liquid so other efforts can be made for recovery
2) Do it right away because it starts replacing right away.

An hour or 2 later I eat - but only after I have had really good cool down and body has recovere so metabolism can focus on a bellyful of solid food